[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E123-E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, over 3 million cases of child abuse 
are reported every year in the United States; some reports involve 
multiple children. These children are 11 times more likely to be 
arrested for criminal behavior as juveniles, and they are 2.7 times 
more likely to be arrested for violent and criminal charges as an 
adult. One-third-of these same children are likely to grow up to abuse 
or neglect their own children. Child abuse is an ugly reality in the 
fabric of our society, and abuse against children is among the most 
heinous crimes committed in our nation. I'd like to honor a group of 
individuals who are dedicated to establishing security for these 
children, while demonstrating a new standard of sacrificial giving.
  Bikers Against Child Abuse, BACA was founded by John Paul Lily, a 
clinical sociologist. Mr. Lily wanted to bring an abused eight year old 
boy out of his shell and succeeded by bringing him into his circle of 
motorcycle friends. This group of unconventional child advocates 
allowed for this young boy to experience a second chance at an 
unhindered childhood. Soon, Mr. Lily was inspired to organize a ride to 
visit mistreated children and to welcome them into the biker 
``family.'' This inaugural ride had 27 riders, but word spread

[[Page E124]]

quickly and the movement evolved. Today, this group is in full 
operation across the country and has chapters in 5 other countries.
  Local chapters work largely through other child advocacy 
organizations to launch their ``missions,'' which help children break 
the chains of abuse by moving beyond the limits of fear from past 
mistreatment.
  A typical ``mission'' for these children's rights advocates begins 
with a dispatch from an established organization, with the pre-screened 
verification in the BACA system. The first meeting is similar to the 
inaugural model in which local chapter members will ride over to 
welcome the child into the ``family.'' These knights on shiny 
motorcycles become a much needed lifeline for these frightened 
children. There are two members of the group that are assigned to the 
child as consistent sources of stability. These pioneering bikers then 
become visible in any area that the child may need them ranging from 
day-to-day errands to court appearances. These children no longer have 
to live in fear of their abuser because they are empowered through the 
newly formed camaraderie with their family at BACA.
  The organization's creed is a great testament to the outstanding make 
up of these individuals. In this creed, they denounce the need for 
popularity or position, they refuse the right to be right, praised, or 
recognized. Instead they, ``won't give up, shut up, let up, until they 
have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and showed up for all 
wounded children. They must go until they drop, ride until they give 
out, and work till He stops me.'' These men and women are crusaders 
that provide attention to a much needed and too often forgotten cause. 
I commend the selfless action of this organization and celebrate the 
life changing difference that they've made in the lives of children.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________